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jeff
09-30-2011, 10:50 PM
I changed my RPM relay awhile back. Ever since then, the car seems to be overcharging. The needle will jump above the orange line on the gauge, stay for a few seconds, drop down to normal. Obviously the higher the RPM, the higher it reads.

If it wasn't for the gauge, I wouldn't know that there was anything wrong. It also appears that the gauge is normal until the car warms up.

Any ideas appreciated.
Ron
09-30-2011, 10:56 PM
Sounds like it could be your voltage regulator...have you checked it with another meter.
jeff
10-01-2011, 02:41 PM
Kinda what I was thinking. It is a little cool this morning, ran some errands, the gauge seemed OK. It appears the hotter it is, the more I drive. The more wonky the gauge is.

I haven't checked it, what reading should a get on the VR? I vaguely remember a VR being on the cross over list on the old site. Can I walk into a local parts store and get one, or is it Delorean specific?
stevedmc
10-01-2011, 02:47 PM
I think the voltage regulator is part of the alternator. You can get an alternator at Autozone with a lifetime warranty but you do have to swap the pulley and expand one of the mounting holes to make it fit. Its a small piece of effort for a lifetime warranty part.
jeff
10-01-2011, 03:02 PM
It is part of the alt, but can the VR not be changed on its own?
Ron
10-01-2011, 04:31 PM
Measure right off of the battery. See if it is close to the dash gauge reading, they are not accurate. It a meter shows 16V or more, the regulator is probably bad...could be wireing or something with the alternator itself.

You can change the regulator. How difficult to change (none real bad) and easy it is to find one depends on which one you have.

Pop it off and get the free info from Autozone if ya can....
David T
10-01-2011, 09:24 PM
The voltage regulator CAN be replaced. In fact, it is easy since you do not have to disassemble the alternator to get to it. If you see black goo dripping out of the alternator the voltage regulator has died. Worse than that, you will have to remove the brush holders and clean the hardened goo off so the brushes can move freely. You can still do that too without taking the alternator apart.
David Teitelbaum